Nominating the President
How did they get there? People announced their intention to run and http://www.youtube.com/embed/PHVPMZLqtJk?autoplay=1&wmode=opaque campaigned in the 50 States The States narrowed their choice to one candidate for each party in either a primary or caucus
What’s the difference? Primary: Voters go to the polls to vote on which candidate of each party they like. Closed Primary: You must declare a party and then vote only for that party. Open Primary: You do not have to declare a party you can vote for either party. Caucus: Party members in the state meet and agree one which candidate they like.
First Democratic primaries and caucuses. January - Iowa (Caucus) January - Nevada January - New Hampshire January 29, 2008 - South Carolina February - Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Missouri, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Utah February - Maine February - District of Columbia, Tennessee, Virginia February - Wisconsin February - Hawaii, Idaho
First Republican primaries and caucuses: January - Iowa (Caucus) January - New Hampshire February - South Carolina February - Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Missouri, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Utah, West Virginia February - Florida, Michigan February - Tennessee February - Louisiana February - Minnesota, Wisconsin February - Virginia March - Connecticut, Georgia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island, Texas, Vermont
The Conventions
What is the purpose of the National Conventions? Delegates meet and chose one candidate for president and vice president They prepare their platform or statement of their basic principles Bring various party factions and leading personalities together for a common purpose
2016 Convention Sites Republican Convention: Democratic Convention: Cleveland, Ohio July 18 - 21 Democratic Convention: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania July 25-28 2016
What do they do at the convention? Elizabeth Warren First two days or First and Second Session: Organize Keynote Address – one of the best party speakers delivers this address, during the first session, which praises the party, criticizes their opponents, ask for party harmony, and talk about victory in November you Tube obama keynote - Bing Videos The Platform (statement of beliefs) is adopted Tries to appeal to as many people of that party as possible It is debated until a consensus is reached
Third Day of the Convention Members nominate candidates for the presidential nomination and others second the names The vote begins by calling the names of the States in alphabetical order The chairman of each State delegation answers with their vote Usually takes one round of votes to choose the candidate
Fourth Day of the Convention Presidential nominee nominates the vice president – handpicked by the Presidential candidate The procedure is the same as for the president Usually used to balance the ticket – bring in support from areas the presidential candidate might not carry After the candidates are chosen they give speeches to get the convention delegates excited
What happens then? They are the official candidates for their party. They will campaign and try to convince people to vote for them. On the first Tuesday, after the first Monday, in November of even numbered years the public will vote. The popular vote will be translated into Electoral votes and those will be cast in December Each State has as many electoral votes as they have Senators and Representatives. .
What are some characteristics of the Presidential candidates? Incumbents are usually chosen by their parties Parties want to chose someone with the most popular appeal to the most people Usually: They have held elective office before – most often that has been governor Senators have also many times been selected Protestants They come from large States Seem to have a pleasant, healthy appearance, be happily married, and have an attractive family Well developed speaker and good television appearance